Power foods for better breastfeeding

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and today’s blog is a tribute in closing. The breastfeeding campaign, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights new research, which shows that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity.

Your nutrition is important for breastfeeding. It effects the quality of your milk, your milk supply and supplies all essential nutrients for your baby. However, postpartum fatigue kicks in eventually and soon we are reaching for quick and easy fixes to satisfy our hunger. The problem is when we lack of sleep it can cause us to crave foods that are high in sugar so the body can sustain all day energy. Foods high in sugar can deplete our trace minerals such as manganese, chromium, magnesium and zinc. These minerals are involved in the break down of complex carbs, and when the body is well fed, it ensures a constant supply of glucose and the energy our body needs to keep us energized all day long. Here are some power foods to help sustain your energy, keep your milk supply up and perhaps help lose some of the extra baby weight: Read the rest of the article here.

The quality of your breastmilk is dependent upon your diet. Credits: Dreamtime photo